Ontario Township given award, praised for ice resurfacing upgrades that help the environment AND save energy

Township of Uxbridge receives Energy Efficiency Achievement Award for REALice implementation for ice re-surfacing project

The Township of Uxbridge has received an Energy Efficiency Achievement Award from Enbridge Gas for its ice resurfacing upgrade project.

The Township implemented REALice technology in 2023 at the Uxbridge Arena & Community Centre to save costs and reduce energy usage. REALice is designed specifically for ice rinks and treats the water used for ice resurfacing, eliminating or substantially reducing the need for hot water when building and resurfacing ice.

This results in reduced natural gas consumption (BTUs) as well as reduced electric consumption (kWh), as brine temperatures need to?be raised, lessening the load on the chiller.

Annual savings of $34K and 57 tCO2

At this seasonal twin rink facility, REALice is projected to provide approximately $34,000 in cost savings annually, and an estimated reduction of 57 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions every year. Because the system uses water pressure only, is 3D-printed and needs no maintenance or additional consumables, the system is expected have at least a 25-year lifespan. Over that lifespan, the Township will have reduced its CO2 emissions by 1,425 tCO2.

Award and Financial Incentive

As a result of this initiative, the Township of Uxbridge has received a Certificate of Achievement in Energy Efficiency from Enbridge Gas. Enbridge thanked the Township of Uxbridge for doing their part to help the environment. The award came with a financial incentive of $5,902.